“I do not,” the King answered. “I never have done. Wait.”
Reist paused with his hand upon the hilt of his sword. The King continued.
“For the sake of my kingdom I do not order you from my presence, Reist. We are in danger, as you know, and I can ill spare a brave man. Listen. On my honour I, Ughtred of Tyrnaus, declare to you that the letter you found is a forgery, that your sister’s presence here was as much a surprise to me as to you, that I never for one single moment failed in the respect which I owe to her as the sister of my best subject.”
“That,” Reist said, coldly, “is your Majesty’s last word?”
“It is.”
Reist drew his sword from his scabbard and bent it upon the ground till the blade snapped. The pieces he threw before the King.
“I resign my position in the army,” he said, “and I withdraw my oath of allegiance. We are on equal terms now, Ughtred of Tyrnaus, and I demand satisfaction from you for this affront upon my House.”
Ughtred eyed him sternly for a moment, but without anger.
“First, sir,” he said, “discharge yourself of your duty. Report to me of the position at Solika.”